Lipstick container



Oct. 19, 1943. v 1. T. HOL IHAN 2,332,147

' LIPSTICK CONTAINER I Filed June 21, 1940 III J INVENTOR F y IRVING 7'. HOL/HAN Patented Oct. 19, 1943 LIPSTICK CONTAINER Irving T. Holihan, Waterbury, Conn, .assignor to Scovill Manufacturing Company, Waterbury, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application June 21, 1940, Serial No. 341,669

Claims.

This invention relates to lipstick containers and more especially to the construction and arrangement of parts for the cosmetic holder or elevator cup thereof. While the invention is here illustrated in connection with two specific types of lipstick containers, it will be understood that the inventive concept is broadly applicable to many various types of construction both those in which the cup is directly actuated by the operator and those in which the cup is indirectly actuated, such as those commonly referred to as the swivel type lipstick container.

Another object is to provide in an assembly of the character referred to a novel, simple and efificient means for providing a yieldable frictional means for securing the carrier cup against accidental movement or displacement within its container, and which means will effectively serve to centralize the carrier cup relative to said container.

A further object is to provide a spring means in association with a carrier cup for a lipstick container that is so constructed that upon the assembly of the carrier cup into its respective container a component of forces'will be created in said spring means to produce a resilient radial force outwardly to frictionally engage the inner wall of the container and also a resilient radial force inwardly at one or more positions to engage said cup and retain the same in a substantially rigid manner in any set position that said cup may be disposed within said container. Coupled with the previous'objects is also to provide in a single instrumentality means acting both as an operator and as a friction element to secure the cup against accidental displacement as mentioned above.

Numerousother objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from a consideration of the following specification when taken in conjunction with the drawing, in which:

Figure Us a view partly in section of one form of the invention illustrating the cap as detached from the body,

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section through that form of the invention shown in Figure 1,

Figure 3 is aview of the operating and retaining band used in that form of the invention shown in Figure 1,

Figure 4 illlustrates a somewhat different form of the invention in which the inventive concept is modified to conform to the so-called push type of container and Figure 5 is a detail view of the cup assembly of Figure 4.

The invention is primarily concerned with the from the material thereof or to secure rigidly to the cup a projecting element such as a headed pin or a sheet metal knob. Such practices each bring up their individual difliculties and weaknesses. It is further not general practice to provide specific means acting to preclude accidental movement of parts and in the art where the inclusion of such means has been suggested a separate device or part or grouping of parts has been the result. The present invention provides not only an improved operating construction but with it and as an inherent function thereof means for avoiding accidental movement of the cup.

Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawing, the lipstick material is indicated by the numeral H1. The material is mounted in a carrier or elevator cup II which, in turn, is slidably mounted in an.

operating sleeve l2 which is provided with a longitudinal slot 13, parallel to the container axis and terminates at its lower end in an external enlarged operating head I l. Above the projecting head 14, the' sleeve I2 is surrounded with a spiral member l5, providing for a helical slot l5a therein, which in turn is encased within the outer shell '5. To those skilled in the art it will be understood that the construction is such that the operating sleeve l2 may be turned, by manipulation of its head 14, with respect to the spiral I 5 and the body shell which are assembled,

in such a manner as to preclude relative movement between said spiral l5 and said body shell l6. An outer closure cap I! is also provided for closing the outer open end of the assembly.

In general, the above discussed construction is typical of some types of the commonly referred to swivel type lipstick holders. The structure departs from the conventional, however, in regard to the carrier cup H which is formed with an intermediate circumferential relatively wide recess I8 bounded by annular shoulders l9 and 20. The construction further departs from the conventional by including an operating member in th form of-a split band 2| formed of resilientmaterial such as spring steel, bronze, or the like, and seated within the recess l8. A feature of the invention is the formation of the band 2 I "out of round with respect to the cup so that in its normal uncompressed condition, at least portions thereof extend beyond the limits of the cup dimensions. With respect to this feature of the invention it will be understood that while the construction here shown as a round cup and a slightl v out of round or larger split band it will be understood that the invention is equally applicable to other configurations of the cup such as square or triangular cups.

The essence of the invention, however, resides principally in the construction of having a resilient member so formed and disposed in relation to the carrier cup that in a state of assembly within the container a component of forces will result in the spring member to frictionally engage the walls of the container to retain the carrier cup in any axial position therewithin and at the same time resiliently grip or engage the cup so as to hold said cup in a relative firm position therewithin. Further, if desired, the forces exerted upon the cup may be so oriented as to dispose the cup to a concentric position within said container.

To attain the above ends, the resilient band 2| previously stated as being out of round, specifically is so formed as to provide opposed arcuate portions 22 that normally project a substantial distance outwardly from the confines of the recess l8. When the cup I l'with its complementary spring band 2| is assembled into the container the arcuate portions 22 are distorted out of their normal pre-set arcuate configuration or in other words are urged toward a state of being flattened out and thus creating resilient radial forces inwardly and outwardly. The crown portion of the arcuate portions 22 provide for a radial force outwardly to frictionally contact the inner wall of the sleeve l2, and the portions of the band 2| adjacent the ends of the arcuate section provide for a plurality of radial forces inwardly toward the cup axis and thus firmly embrace the cup H in a manner tending to urge the cup to a concentric position relative to the sleeve l2. The fitting of the band 2| within the recess I8 between the shoulders I9 and 2|] firmly secures the band 2| to to the cup I against any axial displacement relative thereto, and any force that is applied to the band 2 I. as will be explained later, will be transmitted directly to the cup without any back lash or loss of motion.

A further advantageous feature of th present construction is the provision of a substantial width of material for the band 2|, it being illustrated here by way of example -as approximately one-third of the total height of the cup. Such dimension insures a wide bearing surface for the band against the shell surface precluding wabbling and possible misadjustment of parts and also insuring a smoothly operating frictional relationship. Such dimensions also insure a secure holding of the cup by the band, it being noted that in the preferred embodiment of the invention the central and end portions of the band seat securely and resilient by embrace within the recess portion of the-cup II and are engaged by the shoulders l9 and 20 thus precluding lost motion between the parts.

In this connection, it will be understood that the invention is not restricted to the specific out of round formation here shown in which the protrusion of the band when not under pressure is at the points 22 on opposite sides intermediate the ends of the band. The invention also contemplates that the terminal ends of the band may be the portions which normally, when not in assembled position, extend from the configuration of the recess or the band may have its central portion forming the frictional contacting area or again, the entire band may simply be formed on a distorted are different from the radius of the cup recess and in any event the band will securely grip the cup and frictionally engage the shell.

For operating the cup of the holder shown in Figures 1 to 3, the band 2| is formed with a struck out operator 25. While the configuration of the operator and its exact construction may vary, applicant here illustrates a preferred construction for use in the so-called swivel type lipstick holder. In this construction, material is removed from opposite sides of the band, the cuts being in opposite edges of the band approximately at its center but not in registration vertically thus forming parallel edges 26 on opposite sides of the operator 25 which are spaced slightly less than the width of slot l3 so as to provide a working clearance for the operator in said slot. Between the cut portions of the band 2| the material thereof is formed outwardly to extend from the body of the band in a diagonal direction with the angle of the operator 25 equal to the pitch of the helical groove l5a and the operator 25 connected to the band 2| proper by parallel connecting spaced walls 25a, the spacing and inclination of the walls 25a assuring a smooth sliding fit with the helical groove |5a. As will be seen in assembly the operator 25 provides an elongated rib which extends through the slot I3 of the sleeve l2 and is slidably operated within the helical groove l5a. In operation it will be seen that when the sleeve I2 is rotated with respect to the spiral member l5 and shell IS,

the operator of the band 2| coacts with the helical groove I51: and the slot I3 to elevate or lower the cup within the container. The diagonal angle of the rib-like operator 25 will insure accuracy of such movement and the relative position of the walls 250, being such as to avoid lost motion.

With reference to Figure 2, it will be seen that for retaining lipstick material in the cup II, a construction is provided by punching and drifting a preferable square hole 21 and forcing the pointed triangular pieces 28 of the material of the bottom of the cup I upwardly within the cup so that they may enter and secure the material of the lipstick.

It is also to be noted that in view of the intermediate circumferential recess l8, formed in the carrier cup N, there is provided two different interior diameters within the cup. This variation of the cup interior size obviously will serve to accommodate lipstick material of different dia metrical sizes.

The general features of the present inventive concept are also embedded in that form of the invention shown in Figures 4 and 5. The holder shown in Figure 4 may be referred to as a push type of holder, its construction being much simpler than that of the swivel type holder of Figures 1 and 2. The holder comprises a simple external shell 30 closed at its lower end and having a vertical slot 3| extending down from its open end to near the closed end. The width of the slot 3| is preferably reduced as at 32 adjacent the open end so as to preclude accidental displacement of the operator and cup. 'The construction and material of the shell 30 will be such that the open end of the shell may be spread to permit assembly of the cup and operator within the shell. This construction being, in this respect, similar to that of the sleeve I2 of Figures 1 and 2.

all respects tofthe cup H of Figures 1 and 2 and detailed discussion thereof would appear to be repetitious. The cup is also encircled by an out of round band 34 similar to that shown in Figure 3, but differing in that the operating member is in the form of a vertically straight button-like member or head 35, being formed of the material of the band and being spaced from the band by connecting walls forming a sort of restricted neck 36 for slidable engagement in the slot 31. It will be noted that while the neck 36 is of a width slightly less than that of the'slot 3|, the head 35 is substantially larger and is formed to extend beyond the width in an overlapping relationship to the adjacent walls of the slot so as to provide a conveniently large operating button.

It will be understood that. in assembly the open end of the body may be spread to permit entry of the neck '36 thru the reduced portion 32 of the slot 3| permitting the head 35 to extend beyond the body whereby it may be moved up or down outside the body by the finger or thumb of the user with the resulting corresponding movement of the carrier cup 33 within the shell 30.

In thisconstruction it will be 'noted that the band 34 will act, as in the previously referred to construction, as a frictional member retaining the cup firm in any-adjusted position and also provides an operating member formed integrally therewith.

In both forms of the invention here illustrated, and in the application of the inventive concept to other forms of holders, it will be seen that the construction provides a wide, smooth acting frictional element securing cup and the holder within which it moves against accidental movement or wabbling during movement and at the same time provides an operating member which securely grips the cup precluding lost motion therebetween. It will, of course, .be understood that numerous changes, modifications and the fulluse ofequivalents may be resorted to without departure from the spirit or scope of the invention as outlined in the appended claims.

I claim: V

1. In a lipstick holder, a container body having a longitudinal slot, a cup mounted for longitudinal movement within said body and having a substantially wide circumferential recess formed in the side walls thereof, a substantially broad resilient band fitted in said recess, said band being so formed that at least a portion thereof is formed out'of the normal contour of said recess and upon assembly of the cup and band into said body said band is adapted to be distorted such that said portion frictionally engages the inner.

- wall of said-body and other portions of said band 3. In a lipstick holder, a cylindrical body having a slot extending from an open end thereof to a point near the closed end thereof, a carrier cup mounted for longitudinal movement within said body, said cup having a substantially broad circumferential recess intermeditae its ends a substantially broad spring band mounted in said recess having at least a portion thereof which normally departs from the configuration of. said recess, said portion tending to spring outwardly therefrom and frictionally engage the inner wall of said body and other portion or portions of said band adapted to spring inwardly to engage said cup and'retain the same against accidental movement within said body, and an integrally formed operating member projecting from said band and extending through said slot.

4. In a swivel type lipstick holder, an operating sleeve having a slot therein, a member forming a helical slot registering in part with the slot of said sleeve and encircling said sleeve, said sleeve being rotatable with respect thereto, a cup having a relatively broad cricumferential groove intermediate its ends, mounted within said sleeve for longitudinal movement therein in response to relative rotary motion between said sleeve and member, arelatively broad flexible band the normal configuration of which only in part conforms to the configuration of said groove, mounted in said groove and securely engaging said cup and fritcionally engaging the inner surface of said sleeve, and an operating member formed integrally from the material of said band and projecting therefrom and constituting an elongated rib-like member extending through the slot of said sleeve and into said helix and being disposed I at an angle equal to the angle of said helix. 5. An elevator cup assembly for a lipstick holder comprising a cylinder open at one end and encircled by a circumferential groove and a resilient operating band mounted in said groove, said band normally departing from the configu ration of said groove and being capable of being flexed to such configuration, and an integral operating .member formed from the material of said band and comprising a neck portion, and an enlarged head spaced from the band proper and extending laterally of the material of saidneck.

6. Anelevator cup assembly for a lipstick holder comprising a cylinder open at one end and encircled by a circumferential groove and a resilient operating band mounted in said groove,

said band normally departing from the configuration of said groove and being capable of being flexed to such configuration, and an integral operating member formed from the material of said band and projecting therefrom.

7. An elevator cup assembly for a lipstick holder comprising a cylinder open at one end and encircled by a circumferential groove and a resilient operating band mounted in said groove, said band normally departing from the configuration of said groove and being capable of being flexed to such configuration,and an integral headed operating member formed from the material of said band and projecting therefrom the head thereof being spaced from the body of the band by an integral neck of reduced dimensions.

8. In a lipstick holder, a container body, a cup mounted for longitudinal movement within said body and having a substantially wide circumferential recess formed in the side wall thereof, a substantially broad resilient band fitted within said recess, said band being formed to have diametrically opposed arcuate portions thereof that project outwardly from a normal contour conformable to that of said recess, said arcuate portions upon assembly of'the cup with the band into said body adapted to be distorted out of their normal set position and create radial forces outwardly against the adjacent wall of said body andinwardly against the adjacent wall of said cup recess to yieldingly retain said cup frictionally and concentrically within said body.

9. In a swivel type lipstick holder, a body member provided with a helical pathway in its inner wall, an operating sleeve rotatable in said memher and having a longitudinal slot registering in part with said pathway, a cup having a relatively broad circumferential groove intermediate its ends, a relatively broad resilient band fitted in said recess, said band having one or more portions formed out from the normal contour of said recess, said one or more portions yieldingly engaging the inner wall of said sleeve tofrictionally maintain the cup in any set axial position,

-, and an operating member integral with said band projecting through said slot into said pathway and so formed as to substantially fill the area wherever the slot crosses said pathway.

10. In a swivel type lipstick holder, a body member provided with a helical pathway in its inner wall, an operating sleeve rotatable in said member and having a longitudinal slot registering in part with said pathway, a cup having a relatively broad circumferential groove intermediate its ends, a relatively broad resilient band fitted in said recess, said band having one or more portions formed out from the normal contour of said recess, said one or more portions yieldingly engaging the inner wall of said sleeve to frictionally maintain the cup in any set axial position, and an operating member formed out of the material of said band at an intermediate portion thereof having spaced side walls engaging the opposite edges of said helical pathway and opposed edges disposed in parallel relationship with the longitudinal edges of said slot to effect a relatively smooth operating fit within said slot and pathway.

IRVING T. HOLIHAN. 

